SAN MARINO HIGH SCHOOL Softball 2024 Season Preview (CA)

As the high school softball season kicks off, Coach Scott Edmonds and his team at San Marino High School are gearing up for another successful year on the field. With a strong focus on academic excellence and a close-knit team culture, the San Marino Titans have become a force to be reckoned with in the Rio Hondo League. We spoke to Coach Edmonds for an inside look at the team and their goals for the upcoming season. Coach Edmonds emphasizes the importance of balancing athletic success with academic achievement. “Our first goal is for the players to enjoy their high school athletic experience while maintaining good academics,” he says. This balance is evident in the team’s star senior, Sophia Bilvado, who is not only a two-time Rio Hondo League Team player but also tied for the school’s career home run record. Sophia, also known as “Sophie,” is an elite-level player and team captain, setting a positive example for her teammates both on and off the field. “She is very respected and leads by example,” says Coach Edmonds. Sophia is joined by several other standout players on the team, including first baseman Alexandra Hughes. Coach Edmonds praises Hughes for being a “solid and dependable link” to the infield, with a reliable playing style that may not be flashy but gets the job done. Another notable player is freshman pitcher Vivienne Barcase, whom the team is looking to for strong contributions in the circle. Along with Barcase, infielders Madeline Bilvado (Sophia’s younger sister) and Sarah Esbenshade will add depth to the team’s defensive strength. One of the keys to the team’s success is their positive and strong team culture, which Coach Edmonds says is “player-driven.” The returning players groom and teach the new players the “Titans way” – starting with their weight training program in October. This early focus on team unity and hard work helps set the tone for the rest of the season. As for game preparation, Coach Edmonds and his team put in the work at every practice session. Setting attainable goals and showing players how to achieve them is a big motivator for the team. These small victories, such as making a tough play or improving as a two-strike hitter, build confidence and momentum for the players.